A new health model in Punjab is gradually transforming the lives of families in need. Launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the CM Health Scheme is becoming a beacon of hope for families unable to afford treatment for serious illnesses.
The story of a family from Abohar illustrates the scheme’s impact. Rashpreet Kaur and Bharat Kumar’s four-month-old daughter Diljot was born with a severe heart condition—Ventricular Septal Defect—and infections. Though initially shocked, the parents sought treatment at Bathinda, where the CM Health Scheme covered the entire cost, allowing Diljot to receive 24-hour specialized care without financial stress.
Bharat Kumar, who runs a small salon in Abohar, shared that the total treatment cost of approximately ₹2.77 lakh across two hospitals was fully covered under the scheme.
This is not an isolated case. Across Punjab, numerous newborns are receiving timely treatment. For instance, in Bathinda, a newborn with severe jaundice and breathing issues received treatment worth nearly ₹1 lakh under the scheme. Similarly, in Patiala, a newborn from Gadhaia village was treated for jaundice and respiratory problems, fully funded by the health plan. Even in Kotkapura, Faridkot, a newborn has been under 18 days of treatment with financial support from the scheme.
These cases highlight that families are now bringing newborns to hospitals within the first 72 hours of birth, enabling early interventions and better outcomes.
According to Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh, the government is running awareness campaigns at the village level to ensure families don’t delay check-ups and treatment. In the past three months alone, over 6,000 newborn cases have been treated under this scheme.
The CM Health Scheme offers cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually for every mother and newborn, applicable in government or empaneled private hospitals, starting from the first hours of birth. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s mantra—“Care for the treatment, not the bills”—is turning into reality, saving lives while alleviating financial burdens on families.
